Xitsonga Home Language - Term 4 - Week 9

Today, we will explore new words in Xitsonga. Vocabulary is important because it helps us express our thoughts and feelings clearly. We will read a short text together and identify new words. After reading, we will discuss the meanings of these words and how they can be used in sentences.

Let’s look at the sentence: 'Nwa-nkulu u ya esikolweni.' (The big child goes to school.) We can break this sentence down. 'Nwa-nkulu' means 'big child', 'u' is 'he/she', 'ya' means 'goes', and 'esikolweni' means 'to school'. Now, let’s try to create a new sentence using the same structure but different words, like 'Nwa-nkulu u ya emavuleni.' (The big child goes to the market.)

Now, I will give you a few words: 'mufana' (boy), 'u' (he), 'ya' (goes), 'emavuleni' (to the market). Together, let’s create a sentence using these words. Who can help me put these words in the correct order? Remember to use punctuation at the end of your sentence. After we create it, we will read it aloud together.

For your independent practice, I want you to write three sentences using the following words: 'mama' (mother), 'u' (she), 'ya' (goes), 'emahlanjeni' (to the park). Make sure to use correct punctuation and spacing. After you finish writing, I want you to illustrate one of your sentences with a drawing. This will help you visualize the meaning of your words.

• Girl
• Boy
• School
• Market

Answer: Boy

'Mufana' translates to 'boy' in English.

• U
• Ya
• Esikolweni
• Mama

Answer: Ya

'Ya' means 'to go' in Xitsonga.

Answer: Mama u ya emavuleni.

This sentence means 'Mother goes to the market.'

• At home
• To the park
• To school
• To the market

Answer: To school

'Esikolweni' translates to 'to school' in English.

Answer: Big child

'Nwa-nkulu' means 'big child' in Xitsonga.

• U ya mama emavuleni.
• Mama u ya emavuleni.
• Emavuleni u ya mama.
• Mama emavuleni u ya.

Answer: Mama u ya emavuleni.

This sentence is structured correctly in Xitsonga.

• .
• ,
• !
• ?

Answer: .

A period (.) is used to end a statement in English and Xitsonga.

Answer: Ya, famba.

'Ya' and 'famba' both mean 'go' in Xitsonga.